The Afghanistan War: Unraveling The Complexities With Sarah Levete

In her book, What Caused the Afghanistan War?, Sarah Levete provides a thoughtful and sensitive account of the key events, groups, and people involved in the war. While it is challenging to recall the events that led to the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan amid the constant coverage of violence, Levete emphasises the importance of understanding historical context to make sense of current struggles. Her work covers the country's colonial history, Al Qaeda, and Osama bin Laden, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of the war.

Afghanistan's colonial history

Ancient History

Afghanistan's history dates back to the Middle Paleolithic era, and its strategic location along the historic Silk Road has made it a cultural crossroads. The region has been inhabited by various peoples and witnessed numerous military campaigns, including those led by the Persians, Alexander the Great, the Maurya Empire, Arab Muslims, and the Mongols. The country's ancient history is characterised by the spread of Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and later, Islam.

The Durrani Empire and the Founding of Modern Afghanistan

The Durrani Empire, established by Ahmad Shah Durrani, is considered the foundational polity of modern Afghanistan. Ahmad Shah Durrani is often credited as the "Father of the Nation." However, some consider Dost Mohammad Khan, who united Afghanistan after a long period of civil war, as the true founder of the first modern Afghan state.

The Great Game and Anglo-Afghan Wars

In the 19th century, Afghanistan became a pawn in the power struggle between the British and Russian empires, known as "The Great Game." The First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842) resulted in the British deposing Dost Mohammad Khan and imposing their chosen ruler, Shah Shoja. However, the Afghans resisted foreign occupation, and Dost Mohammad Khan eventually returned to power. The Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880) led to British control over Afghanistan's external affairs and significant territorial losses. The Third Anglo-Afghan War (1919) resulted in Afghanistan regaining control over its foreign affairs and officially gaining independence from British rule.

Post-Independence Afghanistan

After independence, Afghanistan underwent a period of modernisation and reform under King Amanullah Khan, who introduced the country's first constitution in 1923. However, his progressive agenda faced opposition, and he was eventually overthrown. Afghanistan's history since independence has been marked by periods of relative stability and reform, as well as civil wars, coups, and foreign invasions.

Soviet Invasion and the Rise of the Taliban

In 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to support the failing socialist government. The Soviet-Afghan War lasted a decade and resulted in the death of over a million Afghans and the displacement of millions more. The Mujahideen, supported by the US, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, fought against the Soviets and continued infighting after their withdrawal in 1989. The Islamic fundamentalist group, the Taliban, gained control of most of the country by 1996 and established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

US Invasion and Recent Developments

The US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, in response to the 9/11 attacks, toppled the Taliban regime. However, despite the formation of a new government and international efforts to rebuild the country, instability and conflict persisted. The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, leading to another period of uncertainty and a humanitarian crisis.

Al-Qaeda

The Afghanistan War, which began in 2001, was an international conflict triggered by the September 11 attacks. The first phase of the war involved toppling the Taliban regime and dismantling al-Qaeda. The CIA, along with US and British special forces, partnered with anti-Taliban groups, including the Northern Alliance, to overthrow the Taliban. The air campaign began on October 7, 2001, with US and British warplanes targeting Taliban and al-Qaeda locations, marking the start of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Despite the ouster of the Taliban and the removal of most of al-Qaeda from Afghanistan, US troops remained in the country to support the transitional government and continue counter-terrorism operations. Osama bin Laden himself managed to escape across the border to Pakistan and was killed in 2011 by US forces.

Osama Bin Laden

Born in 1957 to a wealthy Saudi businessman, bin Laden was raised as a devout Sunni Muslim. He studied economics and business administration at university, and it was during this time that he became interested in religion, particularly Islamic revivalism and militancy.

In 1979, following the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan, bin Laden began providing financial and logistical support to the Islamic fighters battling the Soviets. In 1984, he co-founded Maktab al-Khidamat, which recruited foreign mujahidin into the war.

In 1988, after Soviet forces were defeated and withdrew from Afghanistan, bin Laden founded al-Qaeda, or "the Base", to continue the cause of jihad (holy war) through violence and aggression. Al-Qaeda soon began raising money, setting up training camps, and providing military and intelligence instruction in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sudan.

Bin Laden became increasingly hostile towards the United States, opposing its military presence in Saudi Arabia and Somalia. He issued fatwas, or rulings on Islamic law, indicating that attacks on the U.S. and its citizens were justified.

In 1993, Ramzi Yousef, an extremist trained in one of bin Laden's camps, led the first major Middle Eastern terrorist attack on American soil by bombing the World Trade Center. This was followed by other attacks linked to al-Qaeda, including the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in East Africa, which killed more than 200 people.

In 1996, bin Laden and his supporters returned to Afghanistan, where they received protection from the Taliban government. Here, al-Qaeda continued to train recruits and plan attacks.

On September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda hijacked four airliners in the eastern United States, crashing them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in these attacks, which led to the U.S.-led war on terror and a decade-long multinational manhunt for bin Laden.

Bin Laden was killed by U.S. special forces in 2011 during a raid on his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

The role of media coverage

In her book, "What Caused the Afghanistan War?", Sarah Levete discusses the continuous media coverage of violence in Afghanistan and how it can be challenging to remember the events that led to the ongoing conflict. She emphasizes that understanding the present struggles requires comprehending the historical context of the war.

The media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and providing information about the war in Afghanistan. Continuous media coverage of violence can often overshadow the underlying causes of the conflict, making it difficult for viewers and readers to fully grasp the complexities of the situation. This is where Levete's book aims to fill a gap by providing historical context and helping readers understand the key events, groups, and individuals involved in the war.

The book offers a thoughtful and sensitive account, going beyond the headlines of violence to explore the country's colonial history, the role of Al Qaeda, and the influence of Osama bin Laden. It provides valuable insights into the factors that led to the war and the various actors involved. By presenting additional information in sidebars and including photographs, the book offers a comprehensive and accessible understanding of the war for its readers.

Media coverage of the Afghanistan War has often focused on the ongoing violence and its impacts. While this aspect is essential for raising awareness about the human cost of the conflict, it can also distract from the broader historical context. The war in Afghanistan did not occur in a vacuum, and Levete's book helps readers understand the events that led to the present situation.

In summary, the media coverage of the Afghanistan War has likely influenced public perception, and Sarah Levete's book serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the historical context and causes of the war beyond what is typically presented in the news.

The importance of historical context

Historical context is crucial when examining the causes of the Afghanistan War. By delving into the past, we can identify key events, groups, and individuals that played a significant role in shaping the conflict. Sarah Levete's book, "What Caused the Afghanistan War?" serves as an invaluable resource in this regard. Published in 2016, it offers a thoughtful and sensitive account of the war's complexities without oversimplification.

The book underscores the importance of understanding the struggles of today by examining the events of the past. It provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the Afghanistan War, shedding light on the country's colonial history and the involvement of key entities such as Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. By exploring these historical factors, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the war's origins and the various factors that contributed to the ongoing conflict.

One aspect that Levete's book likely addresses is the broader geopolitical context that influenced the Afghanistan War. This includes the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, which set the stage for much of the region's turmoil. Understanding this historical backdrop is essential to grasp how external powers have shaped Afghanistan's trajectory and the impact of their involvement on the country's stability.

Additionally, the book probably delves into Afghanistan's colonial history, which has had a lasting impact on the country's social, political, and economic landscape. By examining the legacy of colonial rule, readers can better comprehend the underlying tensions and dynamics that influenced the outbreak of the Afghanistan War. This includes the impact of colonial policies, power structures, and the ongoing struggle for self-determination.

Furthermore, the historical context provided by Levete's book extends to understanding the rise of extremist groups such as Al Qaeda and the role of individuals like Osama bin Laden. By exploring the conditions that enabled their emergence and influence, readers can grasp the complex interplay between local, regional, and global factors that contributed to the war. This includes examining the ideological, social, and political factors that shaped these groups and their motivations.

In conclusion, historical context is indispensable when seeking to understand the causes of the Afghanistan War. Sarah Levete's book offers a valuable contribution to this understanding by providing a nuanced account of the war's origins and key players. By examining the broader geopolitical landscape, colonial history, and the involvement of extremist groups, readers can gain a more comprehensive grasp of the complex factors that led to the conflict. This knowledge is essential for informed discussions and decisions regarding Afghanistan's future.

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